Parmesan Wheels Near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour

Parmesan, the revered Italian cheese, has captivated palates worldwide. Nestled near the city of Parma, visitors can enjoy the rich tradition of Parmesan-making through an engaging 1.5-hour experience. Guided by expert cheesemakers, guests will witness the cheese’s transformation from start to finish, indulging in tastings of aged Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh ricotta. Whether exploring the serene countryside or delving into the cheese-making process, this tour promises a truly unique and flavorful adventure.

Key Points

• Visitors can choose between two tour options: "Cheese-making from The Start" and "Cheesemakers & Tasting", both offering insights into traditional Parmesan cheese production.
• The "Cheese-making from The Start" tour provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cheese-making process, including a guided tasting of aged Parmigiano Reggiano and fresh ricotta.
• The "Cheesemakers & Tasting" tour offers in-depth explanations from master cheesemakers, an opportunity to observe cheese wheel cutting, and a tasting of different Parmigiano Reggiano maturations.
• The tours are available in English and Italian, with a duration of 1.5 hours and priced at $53.52 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Accessibility is limited, as the toilet facilities are not wheelchair-accessible, and the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, with transportation to the farm not included in the tour price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity "Parmesan Wheels near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour" is priced from $53.52 per person and lasts 1.5 hours.

It’s offered in English and Italian and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the entire cheese-making process, including a guided tasting of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water.

An optional farm visit is available from April to September. Visitors can also choose a tour focused on in-depth explanations from master cheesemakers and observing the cheese wheel cutting.

Tour Options

There are two primary tour options for visitors to explore the art of Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemaking.

The "Cheese-making from The Start" tour offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the entire process, starting at 8:45 AM. This includes a guided tasting of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water. An optional farm visit is available from April to September.

Dive into the world of Parmigiano Reggiano with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, complete with a guided tasting and optional farm visit.

The "Cheesemakers & Tasting" tour, starting at 10:30 AM, provides an in-depth explanation from master cheesemakers and the opportunity to observe cheese wheel cutting.

Tastings include different Parmigiano Reggiano maturations, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water. The farm visit is also optional during the warmer months.

Cheese-Making From the Start

One tour option for visitors is the "Cheese-Making From the Start" experience, which offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the entire Parmigiano Reggiano cheesemaking process.

The tour starts at 8:45 AM and includes:

• Guided tasting of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water

• Optional farm visit available from April to September

• Exclusive access to observe the entire cheese-making journey

• Expert insights from master cheesemakers

This immersive experience provides an in-depth understanding of the centuries-old tradition of crafting the renowned Parmesan cheese.

Cheesemakers & Tasting

For visitors who prefer a more focused look at the cheesemaking process, the "Cheesemakers & Tasting" tour starting at 10:30 AM offers an in-depth explanation from master cheesemakers.

Participants observe the intricate process of cutting cheese wheels and learn about the different maturations of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Participants witness the meticulous process of slicing cheese wheels and explore the varied maturation stages of Parmigiano Reggiano.

The tasting includes samples of these aged cheeses, as well as fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water.

An optional farm visit from April to September allows guests to meet the calves.

This tour provides an immersive experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of traditional Parmesan cheesemaking.

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Itinerary

The tour begins at the Caseificio – Parmigiano Reggiano – Società Agricola Saliceto, where participants embark on a guided tour that lasts approximately 1 hour.

This is followed by a 30-minute food tasting session. The main stop on the itinerary is the Caseificio – Parmigiano Reggiano – Società Agricola Saliceto.

Please note that itineraries are subject to change.

The tour highlights include:

• Witnessing the entire cheese-making process

• Gaining expert insights from master cheesemakers

• Tasting 3 differently aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water

• An optional farm visit to meet calves (available from April to September)

Highlights and Inclusions

Witnessing the entire cheese-making process is one of the tour’s highlights. Visitors gain expert insights from master cheesemakers, who walk them through the intricacies of Parmigiano Reggiano production.

The tasting showcases three differently aged Parmigiano Reggiano cheeses, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, grissini, and water – a delectable sensory experience. An optional farm visit during the warmer months allows guests to meet the calves.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and toilets aren’t accessible for wheelchair users. This immersive tour offers a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Parmesan cheese.

Accessibility and Important Information

Wheelchair users should note that the toilet facilities aren’t accessible, though the tour itself is wheelchair-friendly.

Other important information includes:

• The meeting point is at the shop, where visitors should ask for the cheese guide.

• Transportation to the farm isn’t included in the tour.

• Tips or gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

• The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women.

Experience Details

Guests embarking on the Parmesan Wheels near Parma tour can expect an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the entire cheese-making process. The tour offers two options: "Cheese-making from The Start" and "Cheesemakers & Tasting." Both include guided tastings of aged Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh ricotta, seasonal fruits, and grissini.

| Tour Options | Focus | Inclusions |

| — | — | — |

| Cheese-making from The Start | Exclusive look at the entire cheese-making process | Guided tasting, optional farm visit |

| Cheesemakers & Tasting | In-depth explanation from master cheesemakers, observing cheese wheel cutting | Tasting of different Parmigiano Reggiano maturations, fresh ricotta, optional farm visit |

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and is offered in English and Italian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s recommended to check with the tour guides upon arrival, as there may be some restrictions or areas where photography is not permitted for safety or operational reasons.

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour is available on weekends. According to the overview, the tour schedule is not specified, so visitors can likely enjoy the experience on both weekdays and weekends.

Do You Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Options?

Yes, the tour offers vegetarian options including tasting of fresh ricotta and seasonal fruits. However, there are no vegan options available as the main focus is on Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, a dairy product.

How Many People Are Typically on the Tour?

The tour typically has small group sizes, though the exact number can vary. Group sizes are generally limited to provide an intimate and personalized experience for guests. Tour participants can expect a close-knit group and ample opportunities to interact with the cheesemakers.

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Area?

Yes, the tour can be combined with other activities in the area. The tour operator offers optional farm visits from April to September, and the meeting point is located near Parma, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding region.

The Sum Up

The "Parmesan Wheels Near Parma: Tasting & Factory Tour" offers a unique opportunity to explore the centuries-old tradition of Parmesan cheese-making. Visitors can witness the entire process firsthand, from the initial stages to the final aging, while savoring tastings of the renowned Parmigiano Reggiano. This immersive experience provides a deeper appreciation for this beloved Italian delicacy and the skilled cheesemakers who preserve its legacy.

You can check availability for your dates here: